COVID-19
Stay Healthy. Stay Safe.
We all have a part to play to stop the spread of COVID‑19. This includes protecting ourselves and others by practicing good hygiene and social distancing.
For more information about South Australia’s COVID-19 response, visit covid-19.sa.gov.au
The information here has been developed to help you cope best with stress and changes you may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 crisis, whether you are someone who uses tobacco, alcohol and other drugs occasionally or more regularly. This time may be an opportunity to think about taking a break from tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. Reducing other health risk factors is also important to improve your general health and keep you healthy.
If you or someone in your household is drinking alcohol or using other drugs, or would like to change their use, you can use this information to identify risks, stay safer, help them manage withdrawal symptoms, and offer them support.
This site also provides information on how to support yourself or others maintain recovery – recognising that many people have had to find new ways to maintain their wellbeing while social distancing.
Alcohol and other drug withdrawal symptoms
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Common Symptoms
Stay home and rest
- Restlessness, irritability or anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nightmares
- Forgetfulness
- Cravings
- Soreness
- Nausea
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Uncommon Symptoms
Call your doctor
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Sensitivity to sound, light and touch
- Low mood or suicidal thoughts
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
- Heavy sweating or chills
- Shakes or tremors
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Severe Symptoms
Call 000
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Delusions or psychosis
- Seizures
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Loss of conciousness
Coping With Stress
You may find yourself drinking more alcohol or using drugs to cope with stress and unpredictable changes in your life. This can increase the risk of harm for you and those around you.
learn moreAlcohol
We know that some people increase their alcohol use during a social crisis or natural disaster. A survey of Australians shows that since the COVID-19 crisis began, around one in five people have purchased more alcohol than usual. The majority of Australians who reported purchasing more alcohol indicate they are drinking more.
learn moreMaintaining Recovery
People in recovery from alcohol and other drugs often benefit from meaningful connections with others. There are a variety of ways these connections can be maintained.
learn moreSafer Use
Generally, people who use alcohol and other drugs have the same risk as the rest of the population of contracting COVID-19. However, people who are physically unhealthy are likely experience more serious effects if they contract the virus.
learn moreManaging Withdrawal
Taking a break from alcohol and other drugs? Great choice. Preparing for possible withdrawal symptoms will help you maintain any changes you make.
learn moreSupporting Others
It’s great that you are supporting someone to reduce the impact of alcohol and other drugs. Spending more time together at home can make it harder to release tension, and can make the situation more tense.
learn more